OK, so we are almost ready to get a cat - a question

[KitchenWitch]

We are thinking about after the holidays.

We are trying to decide whether to get one or two. Cat lovers, please help us decide!

[Phillycat]

1. Are you getting cats or kittens?

If you get kittens, get two. An adult cat would more likely be happier on his/her own, and you can look for signs of loneliness and add to your family later if necessary.

Good luck! :) Be sure to adopt them from the pound!

[KitchenWitch]

3. I was thinking kittens!

I want my daughter to see them grow up!

[Phillycat]

4. Then get two.

It will be a bit insane for a little while, but they will grow up the best of friends. Oh, post lots of pics!!!

[yellowdogintexas]

21. most definitely, if you are getting kitten, get 2 ..littermates.

They do keep one another entertained and you will laugh your self silly at their growing up antics as they learn to be cats.

[huskerlaw]

2. I had one, ended up getting two...

The necessity for having two cats versus one really depends on a) the cat and b) your household. Some cats are totally fine being alone, some actually prefer to be alone, others kinda freak out without another cat around.

Also, if you or someone in your family is home a lot and willing to play with the cat, there's less of a need to get the cat a playmate.

I had 1 cat in a 1 bedroom apartment while I was working and going to school. Even now, I'm hardly ever home. The poor baby was bored out of his mind. I got him a kitten and now they're both happy.

I would suggest that you either get one cat and see how it goes, leaving the option to get another one in a few months...or look for a sibling set. That way you know they get along.

Good luck!

On edit: I also second janesez's comment about adopting from the pound. Both of mine are pound-adoptees.

[WolverineDG]

5. 2 kittens = who needs TV?

Most people don't realize just how social cats are. Yes, most of the time, they're loners, but in my tribe, they tend to pair up, giving each other baths & playing together. My huge orange tabby female, who spends most of her time alone & is quite cranky, will actually play "nursemaid" to any of the tribe who aren't feeling well, and even will do that to me too.

And I second the suggestion to get the kittens from the pound.

dg

[MANative]

6. I'd recommend 2 and I'd also suggest

getting kittens. My two furbabies are brother and sister from the same litter, and LOVE each other to pieces. Also good for sharing attention - hubby cuddles with one and I get the other! I also firmly believe that you can raise kittens to behave the way you'd like them to. We gave ours lots of love, affection and play when they came to live with us at 10 weeks old (11 years ago). Now they are both very cuddly and sweet - to us and each other. Much harder to change behavior of older cats - you kinda get what you got.

Good luck - can't wait to see pictures!

[madinmaryland]

7. We have three now in a three bedroom townhouse

Two boys and a girl. The two boys keep each other entertained, and will occasionally chase the female around. We've found that at least two are needed in order to keep them from getting bored. Ours are also indoor cats.

[Shine]

8. My advice: get two kittens! That's what we did and it's been great!

they will keep each other company when you're not around and will keep you endlessly entertained with their antics. We got sister kittens. It's really sweet when they're related. I actually think they'll live longer b/c they have their sibling with them. Here's hoping, anyway. :)

Good luck and have fun! :hi:

on edit: we got ours from the local SPCA. they came with their shots and had already been spayed at 10wks old. Not free, but definitely worth it!

[Flaxbee]

9. I'd also suggest two, from your local humane society or other

animal shelter.

Kittens, definitely. Two older adults would probably end up getting along just fine, but the rapport might not be instantaneous. With kittens, they'll love each other (esp. if littermates, though that is not necessary) and you immediately!

Yay! Kitties!

[Sanity Claws]

10. Two

You may not be able to adopt kittens at this time, at least in my part of the country. Cats' heat cycles tie in with the seasons so there usually aren't any kittens around Christmas time.
Go to your local animal shelter and see what they have. Six years ago, I adopted a kitten and an adult cat and have been very happy with them.
Please don't overlook the adults -- they make wonderful pets and can teach a kitten some manners.

[SoCalDem]

11. TWO.. (the same litter, if possible)

Enjoy :)

[applegrove]

12. Get two. They entertain each other..and you.

[SoyCat]

13. I think it is best to get two cats or kittens that already like each other. They won't be lonely

when you're out. And, their ears stay cleaner when another cat bathes them!

[graywarrior]

14. Two. I have one and he thinks I'm the other cat. Treats me like....another cat.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

15. Two, definitely.

The amount of fun generated by cats increases exponentially as you add more cats.

[Kashka-Kat]

16. TWO - if you get from a shelter they can steer you to the ones that get along- dont need to be

littermates necessarily.

[City Lights]

17. My suggestion is two adult cats from the same litter, or

who have been cage-mates at the shelter. Kittens are cute, but they usually find homes anyway. Adult cats have a more difficult time getting adopted. Plus with kittens, you aren't always sure how their personalities will turn out. With adults, WYSIWYG.

Just my .02. :hi:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

18. Two is a great idea...From the same litter, if possible.

They really depend on each other for grooming, playing, and cuddling.
Just make sure you get them spayed/neutered right away. Besides the birth control issue, it keeps them healthier, and keeps them from spraying. :hi:

[mike_c]

19. two cats are ALWAYS better than one-- three is even better...

...and of course, four is better still. You get my drift. Seriously, if you're getting kittens, they will be very happy and entertaining as they play with each other.

[dddem]

20. We've had cats for years. Always only 1.

After the handsome Shadow had to be put down, we decided to get a new kitten, and keep him an indoor cat. We ended up with 2 brothers - and except for vet fees the 1st year, it was the best decision we could have made. They get lots of exercise chasing each other, they have the best personalities, and they are super friendly. Like everyone else who responded - I say double or nothing.

[Haole Girl]

22. Two...from the same litter...

...you'll be glad they have each other...especially when you're away from home! ;-)

[Rosco T.]

23. Get a pair from the same litter...

brothers & sisters are cute...